Sermon Series – The Family of God (emphasis on the church being a family)

TITLE: The Family Unity is Important (9 of 10)

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

PROPOSITION: The church must function as a united family

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Examples

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. We have studied each of the parts (children, teens, adults and seniors).
2. Each is important to the rest of us. Each makes a contribution to the family.
3. Today is "Family of God Day" – We are Family!
4. We examined the parts – now they must be assembled, joined together.

Sustain in times of weakness

1. Exodus 17:12 – Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' hands
2. Amalekites fought against Israel

Success in battle

1. Judges 20:11 – "knit together as one man"
2. All the men of Israel – unified, united

Accomplish great tasks

1. 2 Kings 6:1-3 – everyone carry a beam, move a building

Build a city

1. Nehemiah 4:16-20 – bear burdens, build wall, hold spear
2. Rally to the sound of the trumpet

Added power in prayer

1. Matthew 18:19 – 2 or 3 agree on anything, it shall be done
2. Matthew 18:20 – gathered in Jesus' name – in the midst

Bring men to Christ

1. Mark 2:3 – man with palsy – brought to Christ by 4 men of faith
2. John 1:40-45 – Andrew brings Peter, Philip brings Nathaniel
3. 1 Corinthians 3:6 – Paul planted; Apollos watered, God gives the increase

From a daily devotional sent to me

"Each snowflake is intricate and unique, yet the snow forms one blanket over the land. Each member of the church is intricate and unique; each is given beautiful gifts of God. Yet together we use our gifts for one purpose: to build unity in the church, so the world will see the love of God in us."